Public Health Programme Lead - Health Psychology

Surrey County Council; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Public Health Programme Lead specializing in health psychology. This role involves overseeing evidence-based health programmes aimed at improving mental wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. The position promotes a hybrid working model from their Reigate office. Suitable candidates should hold a doctoral qualification and have substantial experience in public health methodologies. Attractive benefits include generous leave and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

26 days' holiday (increasing with service)

Generous local government pension

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Wellbeing discounts including gym and travel

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading public health programmes.
• Strong background in mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
• Deliver evidence-based programmes focused on health improvement.
• Advise public health partners on intelligence-driven decisions.

Skills

Leadership in health programme development

Excellent communication skills

Practical implementation of public health methodologies

Expertise in behavioural science

Education

Doctoral level qualification in health psychology or equivalent

Job description

Public Health Programme Lead - Health Psychology

Details

• Reference: SCC/TP/287940/4068
• Positions: 1
• Category: Public Health
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: 36 hours per week
• Posted on: 29 October 2025
• Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council.We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

This role has a starting salary of £ 53,713 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

At Surrey County Council, we are committed to empowering our communities, supporting our residents to lead healthy and fulfilling lives and ensuring no one is left behind. As such, we are delighted to be hiring a new Public Health Programme Lead with specialism in health psychology to join our fantastic Public Health Team. The team is based in Woodhatch, Reigate but we promote a hybrid approach to working meeting collaboratively when required.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About the Role As the Public Health Programme Lead, you will be providing leadership in the development and delivery of evidence-based programmes for the delivery of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy with a focus on mental and emotional wellbeing and cancer prevention in the first instance. This will include populational health management approaches. You will also provide expert advice and guidance on behavioural science, supporting public health and system partners to make intelligence-driven decisions to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and that you align with our behaviours :

• How you match the role profile (attached), particularly the section around role purpose and work context.
• Holds doctoral level qualification in health psychology, behavioural science or equivalent
• Significant experience in the practical implementation of public health methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to communicate with people of all levels

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

• How does your experience and qualification make you suitable for this role?
• Give an example of a public health programme you have led and the impact it achieved.
• Describe a time you used behavioural science to improve health outcomes or influence decisions.
• Tell us about a situation where you communicated complex information clearly to different audiences.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact us

Contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact Lucy Gate via email or on MS Teams.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 16/11/2025 with interviews to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below tosubmit.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.